Draft Profile: CB Marcus Roberson

Roberson was a four-star recruit out of national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He chose Florida over Auburn, Texas Tech and Southern Cal, and started the first 10 games of his Gators career at cornerback in 2011 before suffering a season-ending injury.
Roberson returned in 2012 to start four of 13 games, finishing second in the SEC with 14 passes defensed and his 12 pass breakups were the most by a Gator since Joe Haden’s 12 in 2008.

He played in seven games in 2013, finishing with 11 tackles, three pass break ups and no interceptions, and on Jan. 3 declared he would forego his final year of eligibility to enter the 2014 NFL Draft.

“I’m very thankful of everyone at Florida that helped me to get to this point in my career, from Tony Meacham, my academic adviser, to Jeff Dillman to Coach (Will) Muschamp and the entire coaching staff,” Roberson said in a statement. “It’s been a great experience here, and now that it is over I can truly appreciate everything that is in place here for players to be successful and have an opportunity to play at the next level.”

Roberson didn’t generate the same hype as cornerback teammate Loucheiz Purifoy, but has displayed good agility and instincts for the position. While he dedicated himself to getting stronger last offseason, Roberson needs to show an improved effort in defending the run to become an all-around cornerback at the NFL level.

“Marcus has informed me that he has made the decision to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL,” Muschamp said. “Marcus was part of our first recruiting class, and it was a pleasure watching him mature and develop both on and off the field during his time here. I look forward to watching him play on Sundays, and like all of our players, I encourage them to return to complete his degree.

Good size and length for the position and uses his long arms to disrupt receivers. Fluid movement skills with quick feet and body control to blanket in coverage – smooth hips and balanced transition in bump-and-run.
Good route anticipation and stays patient and controlled, but also the recovery quickness to take chances. Instinctive and alert to make positive plays on the ball. Barely gets lost with a good feel in coverage, understanding when to look for the ball.

Very physical and fearless in coverage and aggressive in pursuit. Works hard to gain ideal body position and knows how to use the sideline. Excellent competitor and won’t back down from bigger targets. Experience on special teams as a punt returner. Has worked hard to get stronger in the weight room.

Needs to improve his discipline in coverage – too much physical contact downfield. Will get lackadaisical at times with his technique and play too tall or get grabby. Has the read/react quickness to click-and-close in a hurry but needs to do it more consistently on underneath throws – will allow his hips to be turned too easily in bail technique.

Needs to consistently wrap to finish hits and break down better in space – lack of strength shows vs. the run.

Durability concerns after battling knee and ankle injuries over his career – missed five games in 2013. Character needs investigated after an alcohol arrest in Sept. 2011 and a one-game suspension in 2013 (vs. South Carolina) for a violation of team rules.

Alterraun Verner, CB, Tennessee Titans – Like Verner, Roberson isn’t the biggest or fastest, but they both use their length well and use foot quickness and instincts to be effective.